Vermont Lifeline Program: Free Phone & Internet Service

What Lifeline covers in Vermont

Lifeline is a federal benefit funded by the Universal Service Fund and administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under FCC rules. It doesn't pay you directly. Instead, a participating company takes the discount off your monthly bill, and for many wireless plans that brings the price to $0.

• Internet or phone-and-internet bundles: up to $9.25 off per month, as long as the plan meets the FCC's minimum broadband standards.
• Phone-only (voice) service: up to $5.25 off per month.
• Tribal lands: up to an extra $25, for a total of up to $34.25 per month.
• Home or wireless: you can put the benefit on a landline, home internet or a cell phone plan, but only one service per household.

Who qualifies for Lifeline in Vermont

Your household qualifies in either of two ways. You need to meet only one.

If you live on federally recognized Tribal lands, you can also qualify through Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) and Tribal Head Start (income-qualifying households only).

A "household" means everyone who lives at your address and shares income and expenses. Roommates who keep separate finances are separate households and can each get Lifeline.

How to apply for Lifeline in Vermont

1. 1
   Gather your documents. A photo ID and proof of eligibility: a SNAP, Medicaid or SSI benefits letter dated within the last 12 months, or proof of income such as last year's tax return or three consecutive months of pay stubs. See the full list.
2. 2
   Apply with the National Verifier. Go to LifelineSupport.org, create an account and submit the application online, or print a mail-in form. If you receive SNAP or Medicaid, the system can often confirm you automatically.
3. 3
   Choose a provider in Vermont. Once approved, you have 90 days to sign up with a participating company. Compare the 1 wireless carriers below if you want a free cell phone plan, or a local company for home phone or internet.
4. 4
   Start service and keep it active. The discount appears on your bill (or your free plan activates). Use free service at least once every 30 days and recertify every year.

Need help? Call the Lifeline Support Center at 1-800-234-9473. People with disabilities can ask for application help at the same number.

Enhanced Tribal benefits & Link Up

Phone service rates on Tribal lands are among the lowest in the country, so Lifeline adds up to $25 a month in enhanced support for eligible residents, for up to $34.25 off in total.

Tribal Link Up also takes up to $100 off the one-time installation or activation fee at your primary home with participating carriers that are building networks on Tribal lands. Check Tribal eligibility.

Rules to keep your Lifeline benefit

• One benefit per household. Getting two Lifeline services at once can lead to removal from the program and penalties.
• Recertify every year. USAC or your state administrator will contact you. If you don't respond, you'll be de-enrolled.
• Use free service. If you pay nothing, make a call, send a text or use data at least once every 30 days.
• Report changes. If your income rises above the limit or you leave a qualifying program, tell your provider within 30 days.
• Phones are the carrier's. The FCC doesn't pay for handsets, so contact your carrier directly about any problem with a phone it gave you.